Crescent shaped
Sword Chape for the Longer Spatha or shorter semi-spathashort sword. The end attachment
clamping the wooden pieces of the scabbard together at the end point of the
scabbard. Two crescent shaped openings exist near the top, with a
raised central peak. A line/ridge runs down the center. Completely
intact piece with the original wet environment green patina. The
chape widens at the top, much like an axe head does when viewed from the
side (see the side view photo). (2)

In the 3rd
Century the Gladius was phased out and a long wider Spatha was introduced
to to the Roman army. Along with this came a difference in how the sword
was worn on the belt (now attached through a belt over the shoulder called
a baldric). A variety of chapes were around during this period, the only
consistent thread was that the pointed earlier type was phased out.
The sheaths no long had large elaborate decorations on them as earlier
ones had. Some
of the chapes were rounder and larger than this example (See
Round Spatha Chape) and others were even rectangular.
(1)(2)(3)

This item was found in the same location as the following other pieces.